Pilot Flying J and Sensys Networks plan to provide real-time parking availability information through new features on the myPilot app.
Pilot Flying J announced today that their exiting app myPilot app will now have the capability to deliver real-time and reliable information about parking availability at a variety of Pilot Flying J locations. Pilot Flying J has partnered with Sensys Networks, the leading provider of wireless traffic detection and parking data, to create this network of parking availability data.
Pilot Flying J Partners with Sensys Networks to Provide Real-Time Parking Ava… https://t.co/xeqAyfYO6f #IoT
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This software was researched and tested for 18 months in order to prove its accuracy and durability. Thirty Pilot Flying J locations across the Interstate 5 corridor – from San Diego to Seattle and 1 location in Knoxville – have been equipped with the sensor system that will collect real-time parking availability data. This data will become immediately available to the myPilot app.
“As parking continues to be a major industry issue, with 3 million truckers on U.S. roads and highways and only 300,000 public parking spots, we are investing more time and resources into technology to ensure we’re doing everything we can to provide drivers a safe, reliable place to park,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “Through this partnership, our goal is to provide professional drivers access to real-time, accurate information on space availability through our myPilot app to not only help drivers plan more efficiently and cut down on wasted fuel costs, but also increase safety and e-log compliance.”
As the ELD mandate goes into effect on December 18, this capability will save drivers time by providing Pilot Flying J app users access to real-time parking availability and the ability to secure parking at locations along their route where parking is in extreme shortage, according to PR Newswire.
The live parking availability feature will show drivers the total number of truck parking spots at any given location, as well as the number of available parking spots. This information will be available at no charge to the driver and is designed to allow drivers to more effectively plan their routes and make safer parking decisions.
“More than 75 percent of commercial truck drivers report regularly experiencing problems with finding safe parking, and on average spend 30 minutes looking for parking,” said Amine Haoui, CEO for Sensys Networks. “We are pleased to see our IoT platform and patented MicroRadar sensors help Pilot Flying J address this critical market need by providing accurate, reliable, real-time space availability data.”
Pilot Flying J plans to have this venture launched and fully functional sometime in 2018.
Similarly, Iowa DOT is creating a truck parking information system. This system plans to be fully operational by January 4, 2019, according to the press release. Read more here.
Truck parking is a big concern in the trucking industry, especially as the ELD mandate looms over truck drivers’ heads.
Phil Mescher, an Iowa DOT transportation planner, said, “We are committed to providing the means for safe, efficient, and convenient travel throughout the state. Having this system in place will help truck drivers better manage their hours of service and provide a safer, more efficient travel experience for motorists.
Availability and awareness of available truck parking is an ongoing national highway safety concern, which our system will address head-on.”